3rd party software keyboards and security concerns

movingtables · 24 Apr 2013 at 16:06

the short version is:
I tried the free trial of swift keyboard tablet version on my nexus 7
and i got a warning telling me that the creator of the app would be able to
see passwords etc via the keyboard inputs ( other keyboard apps say the same).

I am just wondering if the paid for versions allow you to deny this feature as
quite frankly i find it disgusting as its nothing more than a key logger phishing for passwords.

do the android 1st party software keyboards allow key logging ( in my case the nexus 7 ) ?

Grrrrr · 24 Apr 2013 at 16:31

It's a generic android warning that comes up whenever you install and activate a keyboard.

In the case of Swiftkey I don't think you have anything to worry about.

Bloomfield · 24 Apr 2013 at 16:45

Lol, they're not stealing your passwords. It shows that message because technically it's possible for them to save inputs and upload them, if this wasn't possible you wouldn't be able to input passwords with the keyboard.

movingtables · 24 Apr 2013 at 16:46

Grrrrr said:
It's a generic android warning that comes up whenever you install and activate a keyboard.

In the case of Swiftkey I don't think you have anything to worry about.

but the potential for the owner of the app to know my passwords for places is very easy / possible ? ie: online banking.

dasyad · 24 Apr 2013 at 16:55

Bloomfield said:
Lol, they're not stealing your passwords. It shows that message because technically it's possible for them to save inputs and upload them, if this wasn't possible you wouldn't be able to input passwords with the keyboard.

This. Essentially only install keyboards from reputable suppliers, i.e. like SwiftKey

Dangerous · 24 Apr 2013 at 17:37

Yes its possible and same goes for Custom Roms so pick wisely!

movingtables · 24 Apr 2013 at 17:52

Dangerous said:
Yes its possible and same goes for Custom Roms so pick wisely!

I'll just stick to games and movie / music playing.
no internet banking on there for me ! lol

mrgubby · 24 Apr 2013 at 17:59

movingtables said:
but the potential for the owner of the app to know my passwords for places is very easy / possible ? ie: online banking.

And you trust Google not to.........

Orcvader · 24 Apr 2013 at 19:24

It's perfectly fine. It's just they way to keyboard to work as... well, a keyboard. Swiftkey is one of the top keyboards anyway, if they was logging every input the amount of backlash they'll get once discovered would be insane...